About the Series
As a reflection on the convergence of art, technology, and cultural evolution, BREAKFAST created Billion Dollar Arcade to merge the humble origins of arcade games with their multi-billion-dollar status today. Much like how Pop Art legends like Andy Warhol elevated everyday objects to symbols of cultural significance, this series transforms iconic games into immersive experiences that comment on the video game industry’s staggering growth.
Drawing on real-time stock market data, each piece—Billion Dollar Pong, Billion Dollar Breakout, and Billion Dollar Invaders—adjusts in difficulty with shifts in the industry’s valuation; the higher the value, the faster and more challenging the gameplay. By tracking your movements, the artwork allows you to control elements like paddles and shooters by shifting your body, forging an interactive connection between you and the piece.
Through this fusion of past and present, I invite you to reflect on how these once-modest arcade games have evolved into powerful symbols within a global industry, highlighting the dynamic relationship between cultural artifacts and economic forces.